More than 400 early childhood advocates from across the country gathered in Washington, D.C., for this year’s Public Policy Forum—bringing their passion, expertise, and unwavering commitment to young children and educators to Capitol Hill. Together, they arranged more than 200 meetings with congressional offices, demonstrating the collective power of our community and the critical role advocacy plays in advancing early childhood policy. 

This year’s Forum, during the centennial year of the National Association for the Education of Young Children, was both a celebration of how far we’ve come and a call to action for the work ahead.

Honoring Our Legacy. Shaping Our Future 

We began by reflecting on “NAEYC at 100: Looking Back and Looking Forward,” marking a century of advancing high-quality early learning. For 100 years, NAEYC members have shaped policy, elevated the profession, and advocated for children and families. This year’s Public Policy Forum reminded us that our legacy is not just history—it’s momentum. 

Participants heard from national partners and state leaders about the development and impact of ECE policies across the country. These conversations underscored the real-world effects of federal and state decisions on programs, educators, and families—and highlighted the importance of sustained, coordinated advocacy.

"My first experience here has been eye opening. It's been truly moving how many educators are here fighting for what we deserve and what children and families deserve"

Building Skills, Strategy, and Community 

Throughout the Public Policy Forum, attendees strengthened their advocacy skills and deepened their understanding of the policy landscape. Sessions focused on effective advocacy strategies, compelling data, and storytelling tools that empower educators and advocates to communicate clearly and confidently with policymakers. 

Just as important were the connections formed—across states, roles, and experiences. Public Policy Forum is where relationships begin and grow: between first-time advocates and seasoned policy leaders, between state affiliates and national partners, and between educators and the policymakers who shape their work. 

We also celebrated NAEYC’s birthday month with a special reception, honoring the community that has powered our mission for a century. Another evening brought advocates to Capitol Hill to honor and thank educators—sending a powerful message that educators are essential, and their voices belong in policymaking spaces.

"With so many critical issues identified for the ECE field, the coming together in person offered needed support, educational opportunities and problem-solving time for attendees."

Advocacy in Action 

The heart of the Public Policy Forum is always our time on Capitol Hill and this year was no exception. 

In more than 200 meetings with congressional offices, NAEYC members and advocates shared stories from their programs and communities, presented research and data, and urged lawmakers to prioritize investments in early childhood education. They navigated security lines, underground tunnels, and packed schedules—proving once again that when it comes to standing up for young children, this community shows up. 

These meetings are about more than a single conversation. They are about building lasting relationships with members of Congress and their staff. They are about ensuring that when decisions are made about funding, workforce supports, and family access, policymakers understand what those decisions mean in real communities.

"Do it! The more you learn, the better you are able to advocate for yourself, all individuals in EC field, for children, their families, and your communities. We owe it to ourselves to be part of the change!"

The Lasting Impact of PPF 

Public Policy Forum doesn’t end when we leave Washington. It sparks continued engagement—in district meetings back home, in statehouses, in programs, and in communities across the country. 

Attendees leave not only inspired, but equipped—with stronger advocacy skills, deeper policy knowledge, new relationships that sustain and amplify their work, and with the confidence and certainty that they are part of something larger: a national movement committed to advancing high-quality, equitable early learning for all children. 

As we move through NAEYC’s centennial year, the Public Policy Forum was a powerful reflection of who we are: resilient, informed, collaborative, and determined. 

If you’ve never attended the Public Policy Forum, we invite you to join us next year. If you’ve been before, we hope you’ll return—and bring a colleague. The work ahead requires all of us. 

Together, we’ve shaped 100 years of progress. Together, we will shape what comes next.

"The conversation doesn't end here!"

Stay engaged. Stay connected. Stay involved with NAEYC. The future of early childhood education depends on it. 

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